HKUST Annual Report 2024-2025

60 HKUST ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25 Fostering professional exchange and celebrating excellence During the year, the Council continued to organize various activities for Council Members to facilitate professional exchanges with various external parties. The 32nd Congregation was organized in November 2024 to honor distinguished individuals with remarkable accomplishments and contributions. A highlight of related event was a fireside chat featuring the Council Chairman and Honorary Doctorate awardee Dr. Jensen HUANG, who shared their insights on artificial intelligence, leadership and entrepreneurship. The event garnered an exceptional response, culminating in full-house attendance. Looking forward, the Council is dedicated to guiding the University in alignment with the Government’s directives. By promoting the continued growth of HKUST(GZ) and other platforms on the Chinese Mainland, the Council is committed to reinforcing the University’s presence in the Greater Bay Area, thereby contributing to the Country’s development. The Council will remain steadfast in steering HKUST towards greater impact and distinction in education, research and innovation in the years to come. THE COURT As the University’s supreme advisory body, the primary functions of the Court are to promote the University’s interests and support its fundraising efforts. The Court has consistently played a pivotal role in advising the Administration on the strategic directions of HKUST. During the reporting period, the Court convened two Meetings. At the Meeting held in December 2024, Members received reports from the Council Chair and the President, based on which an active exchange regarding the University’s overall development took place. Members were excited to note and expressed strong support for the University’s new initiatives as depicted in the Strategic Plan 2031, including the proposal to establish HKUST’s School of Medicine, which aims to address the pressing need for medical professionals in Hong Kong and contribute to the advancement of medical research of the Country. In the Report of the Council Chair, the importance of forging closer ties and enhanced collaboration between HKUST and HKUST(GZ), in terms of curriculum development, teaching and learning, research and stakeholder engagement, was highlighted. Following the annual Meeting held in December 2024, a mid-year Court Meeting was convened in June 2025 at the Shaw Auditorium, when Members had the opportunity to witness the latest development of the campus firsthand. The Meeting, carrying the theme of